Across cultures, a common motif is the rite of passage that facilitates transition to adulthood. The structure of an Outward Bound course parallels a classic adolescent initiation rite, involving separation from home and family, influence of a guide or instructor, group adventure in which participants increasingly take responsibility, a solo…

This paper summarizes European views on adventure therapy and therapeutic outdoor activities. Opening sections list the elements of outdoor adventure education and current trends affecting its development and direction, describe the mission and activities of the European Institute for Outdoor Adventure Education and Experiential Learning, and note…

In the next century there will be a critical need for diverse groups of people to have positive social relationships and share diminishing resources. The movement toward equality involves more than passing laws that mandate equality; it involves the restructuring of primitive beliefs within individuals and whole communities. Experience-based…

People involved in adventurous activities frequently experience positive phenomena termed peak experience, peak performance, and "flow." Characteristics of these phenomena are compared, along with factors influencing the ability to experience such peak moments. Csikszentmihalyi's flow models are examined with regard to perceived levels…

Explores the wilderness expedition from an anthropological perspective as a personal rite of passage involving rituals created by the group, an intense sense of community, strengthened individual identity, and connection to the natural environment. Includes participants' descriptions of the revelations they experienced and of the expedition as a…

This paper calls attention to parallels in the literature of adventure education and that of Gestalt therapy, demonstrating that both are rooted in an experiential tradition. The philosophies of adventure or experiential education and Gestalt therapy have the following areas in common: (1) emphasis on personal growth and the development of present…

Asserts the rationale for personal development work in counselor training stems directly from Rogers' claim of a selective constructive tendency. The basis for this belief and its implementation in experiential learning shows a number of paradoxes, however. As a result, this article states the Rogerian rationale for personal development work is…

Action learning is the primary influence on British human resource development (HRD). However, action learning does not readily acknowledge that individual identity is shaped by events outside the organization as much as within it. Thus it does not view human beings as human "becomings," a view that supports HRD as a strategic process…

Briefly outlines the historical backgrounds of Confucianism, the Chinese educational system, and adventure education. Points out a common ideal of Confucianism and adventure education: "jen," or humanity and benevolence leading to teamwork. Summarizes contributions that adventure education can make to Chinese education, as well as…

This paper introduces the notion of a spiritual component of adventure, with reference to the potential role of adventure within the peace and reconciliation process in Northern Ireland. Influenced by tradition and culture, past constructions of adventure have often associated it with educational benefits and personal development of specific…

The experiences found in adventure programs often parallel the archetypes depicted in mythological quests. Drawing on the work of Joseph Campbell, the stages and trials of adventure participants are compared to similar rites of passage and epic adventures experienced by heroes and heroines in epic literature and mythology. The basic pattern of…

Uses statements in adventure education brochures to indicate assumptions in the field of adventure education. Points out discrepancies between these assumptions and actual practice. Examines assumptions that adventure education promotes personal growth, that learning from adventure experiences transfers to other areas, and that adventure education…

Offers suggestions that use ideas from wellness and health education, both in theory and practice, such as the benefits of simplicity, a holistic perspective, healing through nature, and experiential nature activities to mobilize the healing emotions of counselors and their clients, whether children or adults. (LKS)

Argues that outdoor education is, in its own right, a creative form of learning. Draws parallels between stages of personal development in real life and in caving (as an example of outdoor education). Includes citations from Maslow's work that are applicable to outdoor and adventure education activities. Notes the importance of preparing outdoor…

Outdoor education experiences have the power to stimulate physical, intellectual, aesthetic, and spiritual development and can lead to greater understanding of environmental consequences of one's actions. Describes various lifestyles' connection or disconnection to environmental consequences. Discusses recognition of one's spiritual involvement…